Fluorinated linkers enable the synthesis of flexible MOFs with 1D alkaline earth SBUs and a temperature-induced phase transition.

Fluorination as a functionalization of organic linkers in MOFs has shown surprising effects both on the structure of the linker itself as well as on the topology and properties of the resulting framework materials. 4,4',4''-Benzene-1,3,5-triyl-tris-(benzoate), typically abbreviated to BTB, is a well-known linker in the construction of MOFs. It is expected to be planar due to a complete sp hybridisation of its carbon atoms.